The Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Oludaisi Elemide, explained that the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion bill aims to promote fairness, equal representation, and protect vulnerable groups in the state.
He spoke out after people misunderstood the bill, especially on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), where some worried the bill might take away rights from local people or change the state’s culture and society.
The Speaker said the bill, called “H.B. No. 923/OG/2025 – The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2025,” plans to create a commission that will promote fairness and inclusion in all parts of Ogun State.
He made it clear that the bill has nothing to do with the idea of “no man’s land,” and it does not aim to harm the rights of local people or any group.The bill, sponsored by the Deputy Speaker Bolanle Lateefat Ajayi, has already passed its second reading in the House.
Elemide said it was important to explain the true purpose of the bill because wrong ideas about it could stop the good goals it wants to achieve.
He said the main goal of the bill is to protect the rights of everyone in the state, especially poor and vulnerable people, including those living with disabilities.
The bill fits with the 10th Assembly’s promise to bring social change and fairness by ending discrimination, supporting gender equality, and giving equal chances to all.
Elemide also said the bill helps fight the unfair treatment often faced by disabled people, noting that many public buildings in Nigeria are not easy for disabled people to use.
He promised that the State Assembly will keep making laws that meet Ogun State’s special needs and hopes, and that this bill was created specifically for the state, not copied from others.
The Speaker asked the public to understand laws clearly before reacting and to avoid sharing wrong information that can confuse people and hurt helpful discussions.
He stressed how important it is to get the right facts about laws so people can better understand how government works and take part in democracy.
